Oasi di Sant'Alessio

Oasi di Sant'Alessio is a wildlife park built around a medieval castle in Sant'Alessio con Vialone, a small town in Lombardy roughly 6 km from Pavia and 25 km from Milan. Across 10 hectares of parkland, visitors get close-up views of wild and captive animals involved in conservation and reintroduction programs — a rare combination of family day trip and genuine conservation work in the region.

What will you see at Oasi di Sant'Alessio?

The park surrounds a castle dating from the 10th to the 15th century. Animals here fall into five main groups: European birds, tropical birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals — some roam freely within the grounds, others live in spacious, secure enclosures designed to mirror their natural habitat. Because the setting is so close to the animals' real environment, their behavior stays natural, and visitors end up far closer to the animals than in a typical zoo.

Founded in 1973, the oasis has earned recognition over the decades for its results breeding and repopulating endangered species. An interactive educational museum on site introduces school groups to biology and geology, and guided tours plus hands-on activities are available for schools and organized groups by reservation.

How do you get there, and when's the best time?

Sant'Alessio con Vialone sits in the province of Pavia, making it an easy day trip from Milan (about 25 km) or from Pavia itself (about 6 km). The park is open from February through the end of January the following year, with a winter closure: from 9 November until the end of January, the oasis is closed to visitors.

Opening hours shift with the season. From February to March, it's open Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 10:00–16:00. From April to September, it's open daily 10:00–17:00, extending to 18:00 on weekends and holidays. In October, weekend hours run 10:00–18:00, and from 1 to 8 November it's open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10:00–16:00.

How much does it cost?

A day ticket costs €20 for adults and €15 for children aged 3–12. Visitors over 65 pay €15 on weekdays, and groups of 20 or more pay €15 per person. Frequent visitors can pick up a 3-visit pass for €35 or an annual pass for €140.

There's an on-site bar and a shaded picnic area, making it easy to spend a full day there with the family. For veterinary reasons, dogs and other pets are not allowed inside the park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oasi di Sant'Alessio good for kids? Yes — it's a popular family destination. Close encounters with the animals, a shaded picnic area, and educational programs make it well suited to younger visitors.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? Individual visits usually don't require booking, but school groups and organized parties wanting a guided tour or educational activities should reserve ahead of time.

Can I bring my dog? No — veterinary regulations prohibit dogs and other pets from entering the grounds.

When is the oasis closed? The low season runs from 9 November to the end of January, when the park is closed to visitors. Outside that window it's open year-round, with hours varying by season.